Ricky Dale Jones, 61, of Ash, N.C., passed away peacefully on May 31, 2018 at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston. Rick was born on May 14, 1957 in Whiteville, N.C., the son of Faye Russ Jones and the late Wadus D. Jones.

Rick enjoyed a lifelong career as a commercial HVAC installer, working on numerous well-known buildings, schools, museums, and entertainment venues in coastal North Carolina and South Carolina. When he reached a point in his life at which most people would slow down, he did anything but. Slow was not in Rick’s DNA. He lived life at full throttle, never holding back.

Football and saltwater fishing were his favorite sports, but gardening was his true passion. Rick’s bountiful garden produced a mélange of fruits and vegetables to share with family and friends during the summer and fall months. He loved the Dallas Cowboys; hot, spicy peppers; strong coffee; freshly caught fish; salty oysters cooked over a fire; and family gatherings at the Jones family farm. He had a boisterous, infectious laugh; a boyish sense of humor; a knack for debating on various topics; and an interminable zest for life. He relished every moment.

In addition to his mother, Rick is survived by three children: Charity Perkins of Cortez, Colorado, Zack Jones of Ocean Isle Beach, and Danielle Jones of Ash; grandchildren, Morgan Jones and Zayden Jones; brothers, Donald Jones (Martha) of Ash, Mike Jones (Daphne) of Ocean Isle Beach, and Jeff Jones (Paula) of Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; nieces and nephews, Meghan Wash, Sable Harbin, Jessica Jones, Jonathan Jones, Samantha Jones, Salem Jones, and Madison Harbin; girlfriend, Bettina Hines; and his beloved beagle, Blue.

The Jones family would like to extend sincere thanks to the caring healthcare professionals at MUSC and the countless family and friends who were there for Rick, not only in his final days, but throughout his life. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 955 Mercy Lane, Bolivia, N.C. 28422.